Have you ever asked yourself this question? Have you ever wondered how someone could have only one drink? Or just one hit? Has anyone ever expressed concern to you about your drinking or using habits? Do you continue to drink or use, knowing that something is different about the way you drink/use compared to others? If you have not asked experienced any of that, congratulations. You more than likely do have an addiction.
So what does qualify as an addiction, or a substance use disorder? Some will say that it is the substance you are using that defines addiction, as many people will associate addiction with hard drugs, like Methamphetamine or Heroin. In reality, addiction is not what you are using, but rather how your body responds to a substance/behavior and how your drinking or using is impacting you.
So how do you know if your body is “responding” in a way that is out of the norm? Luckily, no matter the substance, the behaviors or symptoms that an individual experiences to qualify for a substance use disorder are the same. The DSM-5, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition published by the American Psychiatric Association, has 11 symptoms that individuals can experience when they have become addicted to a substance.
1. Consuming more than origninally planned. Example: I go to a party where I had a plan to only have 2 drinks because I have to get up for work in the morning. I get blackout drunk.
2. Spending a lot of time preparing to use, using, and/or recovering from using. This one can look like a few different things. Examples: I am at work and all I can think about is how I am going to get high when I get home. I have to take time to get a hold of a dealer to find out who can provide me with my substance. I have to go all the way across town, or even go to another town, to obtain my substance. If I am not at work, most of my day is spent using. After a night of drinking, I will spend the majority of the next day hungover.
3. Experiencing cravings, or urges to drink or use. Example: You don’t understand, I NEED a drink.
4. Finding yourself needing to drink or use more to achieve the same effect. Example: Two drinks would get me drunk before, but now I have to have 4 drinks just to feel buzzed.
5. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Examples: Going too long without drinking makes my hands shake. I feel physically ill if I don’t use. I get extremely irritable if I don’t have any substance left.
6. Drinking or using has led you to slacking, or even giving up, on your respondibilities at work, school, or home. This can look like a few things depending on your age. Examples: I frequently show up late to work, miss work, or even quit jobs because of my drinking/using. I am not as effiecient at my job as I was before my drinking/using. I show up late to school, have missed school, have quit school because of my drinking/using. I have made late bill payments, missed payments, or cannot make my payments because of my drinking/using; maybe you have even been evicted.
7. Drinking or using has impacted your relationships. Again, this can look different based upon your age. Examples: Over the past year, I have stopped spending time with friends who do not get high, and spend more time with friends that do get high or can provide me with substances. I have stopped seeing friends and family and tend to isolate. My marriage has been strained due to my drinking/use. I am not as close to my parents as I use to be. Friends have stopped inviting me to go to the bars with them.
8. Having drank or used in situations that would be deemed dangerous. Examples: I drive after drinking/using. I do things when I am drunk/high that I would not do when I am sober. I have been violent while under the influence. I have had unprotected sex while under the influence. I have shared needles with others.
9. Attempting to discontinue or cut down your drinking or using and not being able to. Ultimately this is attempting to set limits for yourself and going beyond those limits. Examples: I told myself I would only drink on the weekends. I can only go a few days or a week or two without drinking or using.
10. Giving up on social, occupational, or recreational activites, that were once important to you, in order to drink or use. Examples: I stopped going to family gatherings so I could drink or use, OR because I was drunk or high. I stopped engaging in my hobbies because I would rather spend my time drinking or using. I use to love going to church but don’t go now because I am usually hungover.
11. Continuing to drink or use despite knowing that you have a physical or psychological problem that could be caused by, or made worse by, your drinking or using. Examples: I self-medicate my anxiety/depression with my drinking/use. I continue to drink, despite my doctor telling me it can negatively impact my diabeties.
You need to meet at least 2 of the 11 criteria within the past year to qualify for a substance use disorder. You can have a mild, moderate, or severe substance use disorder. Meeting 2-3 of the criteria qualifies for a mild substance use disorder, 4-5 is a moderate substance use disorder, and 6+ qualifies for a severe substance use disorder. As I mentioned earlier, addiction is not about how much you were using, it is about how your drinking or using impacts your day-to-day life. If you are reading this and realize that you may have a problem with a substance, I strongly encourage you to seek professional guidance.
Addiction and chemical dependency is not a moral failing. If you need to, repeat that sentence to yourself. And, there are solutions! From 12-step programs to harm reduction to anonymous support meetings, there are options out there for you; if you feel the need, or feel ready, to make a change. Having an addiction is nothing to be ashamed about. People do not wake up one day and think “I am going to get addicted to something.” There is a chemical change in the brain, just like any other mental health disorder. And just like any other mental health disorder, there is no cure for it, but you can learn how to manage your symptoms. Everyone’s process is different, and if you are beginning your journey of recovery, I wish you nothing but the best.
Recovery Focus 